Serena Williams has addressed rumours about her appearance at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Kendrick Lamar, firmly denying any connection to her past relationship with rapper Drake.
In a recent TIME100 interview, the tennis icon clarified her performance was a celebration of her Compton roots, not a personal jab.
Social media speculated that Williams’ performance during Lamar’s rendition of “Not Like Us” was a subtle diss aimed at Drake. Williams quickly dispelled these rumours, telling TIME, “Absolutely not, I would never do that. That was sad, that anyone would ever think that.” She emphasised her positive history with Drake, adding, “We’ve known him for many years. I have never had negative feelings towards him.”
Serena Williams is still at the top of her game.
For TIME100, she discusses joining the Toronto Tempo ownership group, investing in over 120 companies, joining Kendrick Lamar onstage at the Super Bowl, and still finding the time to be Olympia's room mom https://t.co/zUKKqHHkmg pic.twitter.com/GcGVM2v9xz
— TIME (@TIME) April 16, 2025Williams revealed that Lamar invited her to join the performance just weeks before the Super Bowl. Inspired by her iconic Crip Walk after her 2012 Olympic win, Lamar wanted to honor their shared West Coast heritage. Though initially hesitant, Williams saw the opportunity as “an exclamation” of her legacy as a Compton-born tennis champion.
While Williams denied ill intent, she acknowledged a playful remark at the 2024 ESPYS, where she joked about Drake being “Forrest Gumped” at a Raptors game. She clarified that the quip was lighthearted and not reflective of personal animosity. Williams also noted mixed feelings about her Crip Walk due to past criticism but stood by her Super Bowl moment as celebratory.
Read: Stephen A. Smith Faces Backlash Over Serena Williams Super Bowl Remarks
Williams’ performance captivated audiences, reinforcing her cultural impact beyond tennis. By addressing the rumours directly, she showcases authenticity and transparency, aligning with her status as a global role model. The clarification also highlights the public’s fascination with celebrity dynamics.
